Sikkim government has announced a 100 per cent concession on bus fares for persons with over 40 per cent disability and women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The concession aims to ease financial strain on these vulnerable groups and encourage greater mobility, independence, and access to essential services like education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The state aims to empower PWDs and BPL women by removing the financial barrier of bus fares and fostering a more inclusive society.
PWDs must have valid Unique Disability ID Cards that state 40 per cent or above disability from the Centre whereas the BPL category women must carry certificates from the Directorate of Economics, Statistics, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DESME) respectively to avail concessions. These social welfare measures are crucial in addressing disparities, creating opportunities for those facing economic and physical challenges, and enhancing their quality of life.
Several other Indian states have implemented bus fare concessions or free rides for women to promote gender equality, improve mobility, and enhance access to education, employment, and essential needs. Key states include Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Delhi offers free bus rides via pink tickets, Punjab offers free bus travel on all state-owned buses, Tamil Nadu offers concessional fares for students and rural women, Rajasthan offers half-fare concessions on public buses, whereas West Bengal offers subsidized transport for BPL women and girls.
